Description
Delight in these Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, juicy spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for autumn gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, satisfying dessert bar.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the slightly cooled baked crust and smooth the surface evenly.
- Mix and add the apple layer: In a small bowl, toss peeled and finely chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly coat. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
- Make the streusel topping: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into 12 bars to allow the layers to set properly.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith to balance the sweetness with a bright flavor.
- These bars can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled for best texture or at room temperature for a softer feel.
